The 1.30 pm Scenic Cruise on Lake Taupō

Get up close and personal to the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock carvings. Appreciate the culture and craftsmanship of the art in a relaxed setting on our Cruise cat. Book now to enjoy our Daily 1.30 pm Scenic Cruise of Maori Carvings on Lake Taupō.

Trip Highlights

The Maori Rock Carvings are a apart of a priceless cultural heritage. These carvings show the vital edge and creativity of New Zealand’s native people, who were responsible in part or completely with creating this beautiful land Kiwis call home!

The Cruise to Plant Project

Chris Jolly Outdoors is committed to planting trees in an effort to protect and enhance Aotearoa’s natural environment. All passengers on Chris Jolly Outdoors scenic cruises will have a dollar from their ticket price go towards the planting project with The Opepe Farm Trust.

What’s Provided:

A 90 minute round trip on Lake Taupō in our Cruise Cat from the Taupo Boat harbour and back. A homemade muffin and a hot beverage of your choice, (this is included in the price of your admission).

Transport and Timing:

Trip time is 90 Minutes give or take. The Cruise Cat is moored at The Taupo Marina and you should arrive at Berth 4, Taupo Boat Harbour, on Redoubt Street to embark at least 15 minutes prior.

*The Cruise cat is stroller friendly and has wheelchair access though not a disabled toilet on board.

From $49 per person

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Take a stunning tour of Lake Taupō’s bays as you cruise along the coastline.

Tips for what to bring on your chartered boat ride:

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Event appropriate clothing
  • Warm layers
  • Sunhat
  • Boat friendly footwear

Visiting Taupō New Zealand? Some helpful Information:

  • The Chris Jolly staff are English speaking
  • There is no dangerous marine life dwelling in the lake.
  • No poisonous insects or snakes or spiders (no snakes at all)
  • New Zealand is underneath the hole in the Ozone layer, therefore the UV rays are harsher than in other countries.
  • You’ll always receive the best Kiwi Hospitality!

The rock alcove at Mine Bay became the canvas for one of the most extraordinary contemporary carvings New Zealand has ever seen.

History of the Māori Rock Carvings

The Ngātoroirangi story begins with Te Huatahi Susie Gilbert of Ngāti Tūwharetoa. Susie asked her grandson Matahi Whakataka Brightwell to create a likeness of her ancestor Ngātoroirangi on a totara tree to create a permanent connection for her family to the land.  When Matahi arrived in Taupō, there was no totara tree to carve, so he journeyed onto the lake for inspiration and found the rock alcove at Mine Bay. The alcove then became the canvas for one of the most extraordinary contemporary carvings in New Zealand. Ngātoroirangi is surrounded by smaller sculptures depicting tupuna (ancestors) and kaitiaki (guardians). Ngātoroirangi towers 14-metres above Lake Taupō and is regarded as a significant North Island tourist attraction. Ngātoroirangi is a true showpiece of New Zealand’s cultural artistic ability.

"Blown away by the location"
Lake Taupo Charter Levante Riviera 4000 Offshore Sedan 1

Experience fly fishing on Lake Taupo

While you’re cruising in Taupō, why not add to the fun and try Chris Jolly’s fly fishing experience? Taupo has been known to be a haven for fly fishing. For over 40 years, Chris Jolly Outdoors has been taking guided fly fishing tours across all levels of experience from novice to expert for nearly 40 years. Our experienced guides will take you to the best spots, teach you the techniques, and help you land a trophy trout. Come fly fishing with us in Taupo New Zealand- you won’t be disappointed.

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View From The Top of hike Lake Taupo

Taupo Moana (Lake Taupo)

Lake Taupö is owned by the Ngäti Tüwharetoa people (the local Mäori tribe) who have occupied the Taupö region continuously for 28 generations. Ngäti Tüwharetoa are linked by genealogy to the local environment and the natural resources. Lake Taupö is the largest freshwater body in New Zealand and was formed as a result of the largest volcanic eruption in human history.

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Taking the journey on the Chris Jolly Outdoors Cruise Cat to the Maori Rock Carvings is a truly magical way to experience Lake Taupō, click here to book now.

Koruplant

The Cruise To Plant Project

Chris Jolly Outdoors is committed to planting trees in an effort to protect and enhance Aotearoa’s natural environment. All passengers on Chris Jolly Outdoors scenic cruises will have a dollar from their ticket price go towards the planting project with The Opepe Farm Trust.

Together, we can make a difference in the fight against climate change and help to preserve our natural environment.

Have a closer look at our initiative

Your Taupō Activity Partner

As the trusted activity partner for things to do in Taupō for forty years, Chris Jolly Outdoors will take care of you during your stay here.  From absolute relaxation and fishing crystal pools to exciting hikes in the wilderness; we are the go-to guides to tick off that bucket list.

In Taupō, the possibilities are truly endless. But one thing is sure; we will create a memorable experience for you that you’ll treasure forever.  Put yourself in the picture with us, and book with us today.

More about us

What We Offer

  • Five private charter boats for small or large functions up to 140 pax with full catering/bar/fishing equipment and an exclusive personal crew
  • Access to private land, water and know-how of local’s secret spaces
  • Corporate events & team building.

We are Reliable and Experienced

  • We’re a family headed by Chris’s son Simon Jolly with a number of the Jolly clan still working within the team
  • We’re a bunch of fishing, hiking, boating, biking, and bush experts with experienced staff who can teach you a lot about the Taupō region.
  • We’ve spent forty years in the industry taking care of people’s holidays.

Our Qualifications

  • Gold Qualmark rated (5 star rating NZ)
  • Our Fly fishing guides are Orvis endorsed, a globally recognised mark of excellence
  • Partners with Ngāti Tūwharetoa (TMGH) with a focus on growing Māori Tourism for Taupō

FAQ

Is Lake Taupō fresh water or salt water?

Fresh clear and largely drinkable water. We would recommend drinking from a stream as running water is best.

What do the smaller sculptures around the Māori carvings represent?

The smaller sculptures surrounding Ngātoroirangi depict tupuna (ancestors) and kaitiaki (guardians) that are pivotal to the history of the local Māori tribe.

How big are the Ngātoroirangi rock carvings?

The Ngātoroirangi rock carvings are a staggering 14 meters tall, they were created by sculptor Matahi Brightwell and reflect his ancestry.

How old are the Māori carvings?

The Ngātoroirangi carvings took four years to complete and were finished in 1980.

Can you swim in Lake Taupō?

We would advise a good quality wetsuit if you're going to attempt it in winter! but December through to March it is absolutely beautiful to get in to that fresh crystal clear water.

Are any of your activities child friendly?

Absolutely, we recommend the Maori Carving scenic cruise. Our boats are stocked with full amenities and we even have treasure hunts and colouring-in sheets for the kids. Our Cruise Cat Boat has cosy indoor areas if the day is looking a bit overcast or to tuck up the little one who isn't quite feeling it. Our viewing platform means we can get you super close to the carvings for a unique culture filled experience you can chalk up to an educational day out with the fam.

Is jumping into the lake allowed off the boat?

It is encouraged! Show us your best bomb, the more water spray, the better.

Contact Us

in New Zealand

phone Icon073780623

from overseas

phone Icon+64 7 378 0623

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